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Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, offering two options, a full or heavy half-marathon, both run almost exclusively on dirt trails. The diversity of terrain, challenging ascents & descents and overall elevation gain will challenge even the most well-trained athletes. With spectacular views of the Elk Mountains above and the city of Aspen below, this is one race you’ll be sure to remember! And…there is over $8,000 in cash and prizes.

This race will be a limited support race. There will be aid stations, portable toilets at the start/finish, volunteer crews, timers, and mile markers. There is volunteer medical personnel along the course and at aid stations, but there is no guarantee of rescue or medical attention. Each participant is ultimately responsible for their own rescue and preparation for course and weather conditions.

AWARDS

Half Marathon:1st place Male and Female = $150 Adidas Gift Card

Top Three finishers by age-group for the Marathon (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+) will receive an Adidas gift certificate for $150.

Top Three finishers by age-group for the 1/2 Marathon (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+) will receive an Adidas gift certificate for $75.

Because of the duration of the event, awards will be handed out at the finish line once results are verified.

All finishers will receive a stainless steel mug, with a ticket for lunch & a beverage.

The Aspen Backcountry Marathon and Half Marathon will be CUPLESS COURSES! For hydration, you can purchase a reusable / foldable soft-cup from UltrAspire for $6 during the registration process. We recommend that participants use their own hydration system on this backcountry course, in addition to the reusable cups.

Keep the environment in mind as you start your training and on race-day, and we together will abide by the Leave No Trace outdoor ethics to help maintain the pristine conditions of our backcountry and forests. A No Cup policy on the race course is in place, so there will be no paper cups at the aid stations, so please carry your own reusable cup or use your own hydration system that can be refilled at the aid stations.

The Backcountry Marathon was a huge success. We had over 301 participants and you an view the running results below.
2016 Results

The course has changed over the years, additionally we will also reverse the race direction on alternating years to keep it interesting!

The race committee is happy to share that the courses are both now almost entirely on single track and dirt trails.

Yes, if you are local you can join the training group, sponsored by Aspen Alpine, additionally for those not local sign up to be part of the mail list on training for high altitude and more great tips.
More info: marathontraining@aspenalpine.com | (970) 925-6618

This year the Cash Purse for the marathon totals $2400. Marathon:
1st place Male and Female = $600
2nd place Male and Female = $400
3rd place Male and Female = $200

Prizes for top finishers are equal for Male and Female racers as well as the King of the Mountain. Thank you to our sponsor Adidas for these great prize donation.